Après Jack’s: A Refined Retreat With Music, Cognac, and Conversation

If you’re looking for a place to get away from noise and energy of downtown Indianapolis, a place with dim lighting, drinks any liquor connoisseur would drool over, and a chill ambiance, the place to be is Après Jack’s, a martini and cognac bar located on the north side of Indianapolis. Après Jack’s is a part of Kona Jack’s, an Indianapolis restaurant that has some of the best seafood in the Circle City, but where the two differ is atmosphere and entertainment. While Kona Jack’s large menu, award winning seafood (it has been named Best Seafood Restaurant by Indianapolis Monthly for ten years running), and luxury interior makes it a great place for romantic evenings or Indianapolis business meetings, Après Jack’s is all about fine music and fine spirits.

Après Jack’s was designed as an after dinner lounge; it’s part of the pantheon of relaxed Indianapolis bars, like Blu Lounge, Fox and Hound, and the Broad Ripple Tavern. Mostly a cognac and martini bar, Après Jack’s is a great place to shoot the breeze over a perfectly crafted cocktail while soaking up some of the best local music. The atmosphere at Après Jack’s can’t be matched; from the large, stone bordered fireplace to the rick, dark wood paneling, this Indianapolis nightlife retreat just screams luxury. The menu at Après Jack’s, though less expansive than at Kona Jack’s, still features sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and, of course, a wide selection of single malt scotch, cognac, and martinis.

But the real thing that sets Après Jack’s apart is the live entertainment featured here almost every week. Unlike Kona Jack’s, Après Jack’s is mainly an Indianapolis music venue, a venue that brings in a lot of respected Indy groups. Indianapolis music is a constant draw here, and some of the best musicians in the city have made appearances here. Blues, jazz, and roots music are favorite genres here, but almost every style is accommodated. Indianapolis bands that have played at the refined lounge of Après Jack’s include the Gordon Bonham Trio, The Thunder Club, Sour Mash, and the Cari Ray Trio. Indianapolis events here are always relaxed, casual, and well attended: the true definition of lounge music.

French for “After Jack’s,” Après Jack’s is a cozy little nook that’s a wonderful place to go after a delicious meal at Kona Jack’s or any other Indianapolis restaurant. You may come to Après Jack’s for the ambiance, the live music, and the well stocked bar, but you’ll stay for the warm, pleasurable feeling of escape. There’s something to be said for having your own little corner of the world, and Après Jack’s says it all.